Thread by @WePublicHealth

Final keynote for #GiantSteps22 is @DylanAlcott, athlete, philanthropist, entrepreneur & 2022 Australian of the Year!

Recounts journey from birth, in and out of hospital until 3 years age, similar to @ClareBowditch yesterday says one of the reasons here today is family - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

"Young people with disability often wrapped in cotton wool" - Alcott says. Recounts that childhood was mostly fine, was accepted - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Until about 14 years old when started to struggle with mental health, his disability and never thought he was going to get out of it - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

"Be bold - if you put yourself out there, good things will happen" - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Had a childhood dream to participate in Paralympic Games, which was realised when played in wheelchair basketball team at 17 years - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

"The process takes care of the results", basketball coaches advice - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Winning gold in the basketball Paralympics was one of the best things that ever happened, sharing the podium with mates, full of pride, humility and gratefulness - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

We, as people, take for granted the impacts that these great moments in life have on family and the people around us, Alcott says - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

After losing passion in basketball, moved on to tennis: most high-profile of the Paralympic sports (can make a difference & change perception of wheelchair tennis) - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Purpose - to change perceptions so people with disability can live the lives they deserve to live, Alcott says. @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Hardest thing to get over is people's low expectations of the capabilities of people with disabilities - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Need greater representation in parliament, on TV, etc to change people's perceptions of people with disability - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

Dylan Alcott Foundation = "core purpose of helping young Australians with disabilities gain confidence, fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams" - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22
dylanalcottfoundation.com.au

Ability Fest was established to be an inclusive festival with added accessibility (e.g. elevated platforms, Auslan, chill zone, guide dogs) & raise funds for the Foundation - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22
abilityfest.com.au/about

All you need to make a difference in someone's life, you just need to put in a little bit of effort & ask questions - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

It's "we not me" - acknowledges the team effort amplifying his story & message - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22

"For every one thing I can't do, there are ten things I can" - @DylanAlcott #GiantSteps22